Friday, April 15, 2016

A Message from Shelly

The last thing I expected to hear was the question: “Shelly, where were you?” Several old friends have called and said they wanted to hear from me again.I have slowed down a bit as I approach my 90th year! The good Lord has blessed both Thelma and me with longevity, and so I am excited to have been asked to share my “comments” once again, as I have done in the past.I have very positive thoughts about the current leaders of our industry. As always, the best has risen to the top. We are so fortunate to have the “cream” professionals who are guiding our industry through an unsettled period. These good people, who are the leaders of the many DME associations, are each very active in protecting their members as well as all the dealers and professionals. No one is ignored! This is our strength. This reflects all the members of DME and HME! They are involved and their hard work has created a strong and active industry! I am writing this because there still are many dealers sitting aside and not making their voices heard! I don’t understand why this has happened! I am asking that if you and your company are not currently a member of both your state and national DME association, get on board STAT!You can no longer stand alone! There are so many things happening which can affect your operation. But, when you stand together with your associates, you will flourish! If, for any reason, you are not a member of both your state and national associations, join now!If you need the numbers to call send me an e-mail (shelly.prial@att.net) and I will send all the information you need.Thank you!SHELLY

No comments:

Post a Comment

Follow by Email

Search Shelly Sounds Off

Shelly Prial

I began my career in 1950 when I graduated from Brooklyn College of Pharmacy. I spent 16 years in retail pharmacy and owned and operated four different pharmacies during this period. It was in the early 1950s that I became interested in durable medical equipment and oxygen services. My pharmacy was one of the first to offer DME and oxygen supplies.
I worked for various companies in the industry and after a few years, I became a manufacturer’s rep. It was there, working with many dealers that the idea of developing a co-op for DME providers developed. My wife and I started the Homecare Providers Co-op (HPC) in 1986 and that proved to be the most exciting period of my career.
After I “retired” some years ago, I found it necessary to stay active. I am proud that I worked for Graham-Field Health Products as their Director of Government Relations.
As a consultant and Medtrade Ambassador, my goal now is to see if I can bring our industry together to work as a team and become formidable.
I am proud to say that I have been married to Thelma since 1950. We have two children and four grandchildren. And, a fun fact? I have attended every Medtrade show since it began in 1979!